MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – In what may soon be a family tradition for the Lumbalas, Alouettes running back Steven became the latest Lumbala brother to be honoured by the Richelieu Pirates, the junior football organization he made his gridiron debut with at age 8.
Last Saturday, September 7, Lumbala returned to the grounds where his football career began, to be inducted to the Pirates Hall of Fame as part of the team’s opening weekend festivities. The Beloeil-based organization has a wall at its headquarters dedicated to all those who passed through its ranks and have gone on to reach the pros.
Back for the first time since wearing the Pirates’ burgundy and gold himself, Lumbala was impressed by the progress the Pirates program has made since his last game with the team over a decade ago.
“It’s incredible,” said Richelieu’s guest of honour for the weekend. “They have more teams than ever before, and they even have their own field house and stadium now.”
Steven became the third Lumbala to be inducted to the Pirates Hall of Fame, following brothers Rolly and Jacques-Olivier Lumbala, who were already members. And although his siblings weren’t able to be present for the occasion, according to Steven, its thanks to them that he began playing, and eventually fell in love with football.
Fortunately for him, he’ll have the opportunity to throw a belated bash this Sunday in B.C., when he suits up opposite older brother Rolly for his second career round of pro sibling rivalry.
Asked if the two have anything special planned pre-game, Steven hinted that he’s just looking to have his Week 9 favour returned.
“When Rolly was in Montreal, I took him out to a restaurant, so I’m just hoping to get the same treatment this weekend in B.C.”
